Telekit GOTO and Tracking Drive

ServoCAT

ServoCAT Junior

Controller Mount/PFT
jack in foot

TeleKit ServoCAT Azimuth

Astrosystems Mount Stalk

Using Stalk

ServoCAT GOTO Drive

The Stellar Cat system is a complete electronic control
package allowing the control of a telescope using either a Sky Commander or Argo
Navis Digital Setting Circles as the reference. They can be used to control
either a Dobsonian or an equatorial mount telescope. Has the ability to track or
automatically follow the sky, slew (move) around at various speeds selectable by
the user, and GOTO an object selected by the user.

Slip Return - Someone bumps the scope accidentally (kid at a public
star party!)? Want to go back to where you were? Simple: Slip Return.
Remembers where it was previously and allows you to automatically return to it!

True Spiral Search - Can’t find that object (not uncommon with DSC)?
Want to explore the Veil, North American, Virgo, etc? SIMPLE! The Spiral Search
feature will spiral out from its center point at a constant speed and width
allowing you to search and explore! Two speeds/widths for different field
widths. This is a "TRUE" spiral - not a box or some other shape... if
left to search the whole area it will span an area of 12 sq degrees! When you
want to stop simply push any of the motion buttons and it stops and tracks from
there! "REALLY COOL" is the most common statement when it is used for
the first time!

AutoCalibrate - AutoCal allows one to commission his scope simply.
This system will automatically identify and save YOUR scopes precise ratio. This
will then provide the highest precision in tracking and GOTO performance. HOURS
of tracking... In addition it is a great diagnostic tool for determining if and
by how much your scope has encoder system errors and/or slippage. The dual
pass/fail system will tell you WITHOUT a PC connected how you have done and
determine the precise ratio for your scope. If a PC is connected it will print
out the ratios AND the error values so you know what is what!

AutoReset - Sets parameters back to the default parameters.

Auto Select - Selects one of 2 parameter sets for dual scope
usage.

AutoGuide - Turns on the ST4 compatible Autoguide capability. Note
this feature is to be released. The hardware for the ST4 compatible system is on
ALL ServoCATs shipped already - the only requirement for this usage would be the
FREE software upgrade. (NOTE: the ServoCAT can and has done AutoGuiding
already. Contact StellarCAT for more details if you want to use it now.)

Local Sync - Allows the ServoCAT to "remember" an offset to
an object thereby improving the pointing accuracy in a 5 - 10 deg radius area.
Similar to the higher precision pointing offered by others.

ServoCAT Jr.

Designed specifically for smaller Dobsonian telescopes, those in the 8 -
14" size and even 15 -16" light scopes with ball bearing
groundboard. Maintaining all the
features of the standard ServoCAT the Junior allows fast slew rates: 7-9+
degrees/sec and more! Snappy movements and precise tracking.
Features smaller gearboxes. Silent operation is the name of the game, the CAT stalks the night sky like a leopard on the prowl!
Enjoy YOUR scope with the new ServoCAT Jr.

System Options and Accessories

Mount Stalk/Shelf

The Astrosystems
Mount Stalk holds the DSC computer, either Sky Commander or Argo Navis and a
drive handpad controller at a convenient 38" height. Simple
installation with just 2 screws and proportioned to clear transport
handles. A single Thumbknob installs the stalk. Cables for the DSC Computer, drive handpad controller,
Altitude Encoder and DSC power are easily routed around the stalk.
Completely finished and ready to install with supplied stainless steel hardware.

A complete set of hardware to install 12 Vdc power
feedthrough to connect the Rocker Box of a Dobsonian to a remote battery.
This allows you to use
a high capacity battery for drives, dew removal, fans, etc. without putting the battery weight on the telescope.
This is the
hardware package to power through your existing groundboard. Easy to
install, does not require a change in your existing pivot bolt or azimuth
encoder. Includes power
distribution rail, cables, power transfer system.

Retrofiting your telescope with a GOTO drive?
Use our precision CNC cut round Ground Board for accuracy. Our Ground Boards
feature Baltic Birch plywood, strong and very wear resistant as well as one foot
having an internal mount for the Power Feed Through plug. Each comes with
ball bearings at two positions and Teflon at the third (requires smooth laminate
on the Rocker Box bottom). Smooth movement for lower torque and longer
battery life. We can supply with three Teflon pads if you prefer, although the
hybrid bearing system works great on textured (Ebony Star or Pebble Board)
laminate on the Rocker Box.

The sizes listed below are a guide, use the
largest bearing radius that your rocker box will accommodate.